A NEW artwork celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mersey Sound has gone on display at the Beatles Story, at the Pier Head.

It is the brainchild of lecturer turned musician-singer-songwriter Bill Hart, who spent more than a year collecting a variety of guitars – the common link being that they have all been played at the world-famous Cavern club.

Now around 100 have been gathered together to form the Mersey Sound Wave. They are suspended from the ceiling by a nylon cord and assembled to create a floating effect.

The installation also features 11 “guest guitars” which have been signed by rock legends including Bo Diddley, Donovan, members of Status Quo, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.

But the jewel in the crown is an autographed Hofner bass guitar once owned by Paul McCartney, and now kept in a locked glass cabinet at The Cavern pub in Mathew Street. Because they are so valuable, these guitars will only be on display on the first and last days of the exhibition.

Everyone from local school children to Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson, who has lent his famous banjo to the exhibition, have added their support to the project.

A wave-shaped guitar has also been specially created by guitar-maker Ken Shilliker, who is a member of one of the original Merseybeat bands, The Dominoes.

Bill, 63, from Southport, said he had been stunned by the response since he launched his campaign to put together the art installation just over a year ago.